How to Become a PCT in South Dakota

Perhaps you’re interested in working in the medical field but not really as a surgeon.

One of the many occupations available in this industry is that of a patient care technician.

Through this article, you’ll learn what it takes to become a PCT in South Dakota, so don’t stop reading!

Patient Care Technician Job Description and Duties in South Dakota

A patient care tech is very similar to a certified nurse aide, at least as far as job duties go.

The similarities stop at supervision as the PCT doesn’t need it, as opposed to a CNA.

This is a list of the job responsibilities assigned to patient care techs:

• Bathing and feeding the patients
• Catheter care
• Maintaining patient rooms clean
• Vital sign monitoring
• Performing phlebotomy procedures
• Talking to the patients’ families
• Escorting patients to various places for further investigations

Depending on each patient and overall work environment, these may differ.

Patient Care Technician Job Requirements in South Dakota

You are probably curious to know what kind of attributes you need for this position.

In South Dakota, you need to:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have good communication skills
• Be detail-oriented
• Be compassionate
• Have a clean criminal background
• Be certified
• Have physical stamina
• Be listed on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry

It’s also very common to be asked for some experience in this field when applying for a position.

Patient Care Technician Education in South Dakota

The Registry doesn’t usually accept new members if they didn’t graduate from a training program.

South Dakota has only one school that offers a suitable program, and you can see it below.

Of course, you can opt to attend a training course at a college from out of state.

When deciding, keep in mind the types of diplomas you can earn:

• Certificate
• Associates’ degree
• Bachelor’s degree

If you want to spend less time studying, you can opt for a simple certificate that lasts about a year to complete.

Degrees take at least two years to complete and individuals have more chances of getting promoted.

The spots in these courses are generally limited.

This is why you’ll need the following when enrolling:

• Have a clean criminal record
• Passed a drug screening test
• Passed a TB skin test
• Have the following health immunizations done:
  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Flu
  • Tetanus

All the programs have a set number of clinical practice hours that must be fully attended.

Since we mentioned classes, here are some of the ones you’ll have:

• Providing patient safety
• Providing basic care
• Medical terminology and abbreviations
• Basic infection control procedures and techniques
• The structure and function of body systems
• Identifying and reporting changes in the patient’s condition
• Monitoring and recording bodily functions
• CPR
• First aide techniques
• Drawing blood
• Inserting catheters

Patient Care Technician Certification in South Dakota

Once you graduate you’re expected to take and pass the certification exam.

This test is made available by the National Health Association, but this is not the only agency offering such an exam.

Signing up for the test means you:

• Are over the age of 18
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Graduated from a specialized training program
• Paid the exam fee – $149
• Showed proof of citizenship or nationality
• Submitted a set of fingerprints

Not everyone knows the following things:

• The exam fee can be included in the tuition for the training course
• NHA accepts the substitution of education with 1 year of experience in the field

You will have to answer 120 questions in total, in just a bit less than 2 hours.

Patient Care Technician Employment and Salary in South Dakota

Since there is a steady demand for PCTs in South Dakota, you will find a job rather fast once you’re certified.

It’s almost certain you’ll get hired at these places if you’ll send in an application:

• Hospitals,
• Clinics,
• Rehabilitation centers,
• Long term care and assisted living facilities,
• Hospices
• Home care

Salaries are higher in cities like Sioux Falls, Brookings, or Watertown.

Regional Salary in South Dakota

Additional Information for Patient Care Technician in South Dakota

These places can help you with finding more training opportunities and even employment:

• South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
• South Dakota Board of Nursing
• National Health Association